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  3. 172706-13640

Considering the Pro-ject Box CD RS2 Transport ? You might want to read this, first.

I recently bought one of these and soon returned it.

In terms of SQ, it clearly outperformed my Simaudio 260DT so I've no complaints in that regard. 

However, I could not get used to its toy-like dimensions.

It would not stay stationary, due to its light weight, so I had to hold it in place with one hand while operating its tiny buttons and loading/unloading discs with the other. 

Needless to say, this issue was only exacerbated once I placed it atop my preferred footers.

While audiophile geishas may find it ideally-sized, I found it highly impractical.

Given that our only current choices for this new drive are the Pro-ject and the 28K Gryphon, it would seem there's an empty niche in the market for a reasonably affordable alternative, housed in a full-sized case. 

To be fair, Steve Guttenberg did grumble a little about ergonomics but on the whole, reviewers' attention has been fixed squarely upon the Pro-ject's undeniable virtues.  

I'm not suggesting everyone will experience what I've experienced nor am I attempting to dissuade anyone from buying this unit- my aim here is simply to shine a light on what's been, so far at least, largely absent from discussions I've encountered. 

 

 

 

stuartk
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@stuartk,

I’m surprised that you interpret my post like that ’initially ’. I did not dispute your assessment or concerns at all. You made valid points. My objective was to make it known that the issues you identified are IMO easily correctable. My RS2 sits solidly  atop of 3 Star Sound Audio points with the inverted brass disc.

I completely understand that the small form factor doesn’t work for you, no problem at all. I just see it as a case of a very fixable problem and then you’re left with an outstanding sounding CD transport. It may not be for everyone but I believe it represents the opportunity for many to obtain a reasonably priced very high level performing audio component. I took zero offense to your post @stuartk.

Charles

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@nonoise69 ,

Thanks for the post/picture it is attractive.  I'm not surprised that another high level product has adopted the Stream Unlimited CD PRO-8 mechanism.  As I said before it is a first rate drive mechanism. The Pro-Ject is a terrific value to get this CD PRO-8 unit at its price. 

Charles 

ghdprentice
7,337 posts
 

@stuartk   Thank you for your carefully worded summary of the ergonomics of the transport. These kinds of things are important to many, but not important to some. I assure you, if I was purchasing one this would be of great importance to me. My CD player is 33 pounds and can’t be pushed around. I like that.

bigkidz
3,407 posts
 

I hear what you are saying but I have yet to find a better transport.  I can live with the light weight if it sounds better than everything else I have compared it to.

 

Happy Listening.

audio-union's avatar
audio-union
179 posts
 

 I like the CEC CD5 player, full size steel case with a Hyperstream pcm dac. It uses the same transport as in the CEC TL5 transport. It is belt drive, so the noise and jitter associated with direct drive CD transports doesn't exist and as such the total electrical noise is lower than the competition. The transport is on a suspension system to reduce mechanical noise and is optimally placed in the case. There is an upgrade available to further increase the performance.

CEC makes many of the transports in players and transports and has been do so since CD's first entered the music market place in the 80's.

For more information visit Audio Union.

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